Pricey Infiniti fills SUV need

Like the design or not - and in 2003, many didn't - the Infiniti FX sport-ute and its slightly more conservative cousin, the Nissan Murano, set a styling standard for SUVs that still influences new models, such as the new Acura ZDX and 2011 Kia Sorrento.

The Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX looked enough alike that many assumed that underneath, they were the same vehicle, but that wasn't, and isn't, the case. Though both are offered with all-wheel-drive, the Murano is based on a front-wheel-drive platform, and the FX is rear-wheel-drive. The company was making a teardrop-styled design statement, and though both vehicles are into their second generations, Nissan has done a good job in updating the look but maintaining the personality.

Fortunately, in the case of the FX, Infiniti also improved the overall package. As before, the FX is a pricey but satisfying sport utility vehicle.

That is, if you are looking more for "sport" than "utility. The test model, a 2010 FX50, may have all-wheel-drive and huge 21-inch tires and wheels, but it's no off-roader, and towing capacity is modest. Infiniti has always marketed it as performance-minded, which, in 2003, meant twitchy steering and a very rough ride. The performance remains, but in a much happier package.

As with the original, two versions of the FX are offered: The V-6-powered FX35, signaling a 3.5-liter engine, with 303 horsepower. The FX45 became the FX50 in 2009 with the addition of a 390-horsepower V-8; the original FX45 had a 315-horsepower, 4.5-liter V-8. It also had a five-speed automatic transmission, which is now a very busy seven-speed. Going from a full stop to a gradual start, throttle tip-in is abrupt - that means if you barely touch the accelerator, the FX50 leaps forward. You get used to it, but it's annoying at first.

Inside, the FX50 is luxurious, and the controls and instrument panel, though a bit daunting at first, are pretty user-friendly. The 11-speaker Bose sound system is excellent, and the quilted leather seats supportive. Rear legroom is acceptable, and headroom is fine. The middle-seat passenger, though, will hope for a short trip. In fact, as you can guess from the styling, the FX is not nearly as roomy as boxier SUVs, such as Nissan's own QX. There is no third-row seat, and cargo space in the rear is limited. The more you want to haul, the less the FX seems like a logical choice.

But if you want performance, there's plenty. The 5.0-liter V-8 is all muscle, with EPA ratings to prove it: 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, on premium gas, please. Cornering is as flat and precise as any SUV on the market, with virtually no body roll. Adding to the sense of security is a plethora of safety features, including the optional ($2,900) "technology package" that added lane departure warning and active cruise control.